General Bishop receives enlisted corps highest honor

The enlisted men and women of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe will bestow their highest honor on the 3rd Air Force commander July 19 when they induct him in the Order of the Sword.

Lt. Gen. Rod D. Bishop accepted the invitation in the presence of hundreds of enlisted warriors on the 3rd Air Force compound June 19.

Chief Master Sgt. Martin S. Klukas, 3rd Air Force command chief, said honoring General Bishop with the Order of the Sword is the perfect honor for a warrior who has done so much for the enlisted men and women of USAFE.

“From his days as USAFE vice commander to his tenure as the 3rd Air Force
commander, General Bishop has been the enlisted’s advocate,” Chief Klukas said.    
General Bishop, a 34-year Air Force veteran who has commanded 3rd Air Force since December 2006, will become the 18th recipient honored with the USAFE Order of the Sword when the enlisted corps formally inducts him.

“Hearing the bugler playing ‘Drill Call’ outside of my office and coming out to find Airmen lining the streets in my honor was a very humbling experience,” General Bishop said.  “I am very humbled to accept this honor.”

The invitation was presented to General Bishop by Chief Master Sgt. Pamela A. Derrow, USAFE command chief master sergeant, on behalf of the entire USAFE enlisted corps.

“This award is a true representation to the blood, sweat and tears exerted every day by the men and women of USAFE, and it is a testament to your willingness to do our nation’s bidding,” General Bishop said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to roll up my sleeves and work beside America’s best sons and daughters … It’s an experience I will always cherish.”

The event will be held at the Ramstein Officers’ Club and is open to all enlisted members.  Officers and civilians may attend if invited by the general or are spouses of enlisted attendees.

Tickets are $31 for a gourmet chicken and beef dish or $24 for a gourmet vegetarian dish.  Tickets can be purchased from unit first sergeants and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.